My name is Julie and I am a practising counsellor and child therapist in the Cullompton and Tiverton area and near to Exeter, Taunton and Honiton. I am committed to providing counselling in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment, giving you the time and space to discuss those issues which are troubling you. During your sessions you will be free to explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of rejection or criticism and help to accept what cannot be changed with honesty and empathy. I will work with you on an open-ended basis for as long as it takes, or for an agreed period of time. I aim to enable you to enhance your life and to live it more fully.

My specialisms are working with the bereaved and with children and young people. I run bereavement therapy groups in school for children who are grieving the loss of someone close to them. My counselling skills include helping children and their families who are dealing with terminal illness and sudden death trauma on an individual basis or within a group therapeutic setting.

I have experience of helping clients who are going through difficulties with anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder, stress, family and relationship issues, affairs and betrayal, separation and divorce, panic attacks/disorder, depression and postnatal depression, phobias, abuse, feeling suicidal or self-harming, suffering bereavement when someone has died or gone away, feeling sad and lonely, SAD (seasonal affective disorder), having addiction problems with drugs or alcohol, low self-esteem or confidence, bullying, sexuality and gender, anger management.

As well as being a counsellor, I am a Child Mental Health Champion and my specialisms are child therapy with children and young people of all ages with difficulties such as anxiety and depression or a diagnosis of autismclick here, aspergers and PTSD. I also provide therapy for parents and carers and have worked extensively with those who have suffered from bereavement or the loss of someone close to them. I have worked all over the Exeter, Mid and East Devon areas. I am currently employed as the Lead School Counsellor in a large secondary school. I manage a team of volunteer counsellors who are both qualified and those who are on placement. I also provide counselling for younger children in primary school and worried about the transition to secondary education in East and Mid Devon areas.

I have recently used AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) when appropriate in my work with younger clients with emotional and behavioural problems by introducing them to the family dogs. The benefits of human-animal interaction is said to reduce stress and has a calming influence especially with children with a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD

I am experienced in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MBCBT) and developed my own mindfulness group called JustB (Just Breathe, Just Be) for those students experiencing stress and anxiety, especially during their exams. Mindfulness is a very simple form of meditation using breathing and relaxation techniques. By focusing on the breath it allows you to observe your difficult thoughts as they arise and to let go of them. Anyone can do mindfulness to help them manage their emotions, reduce anxiety and depression and lead a better life. I also work with adults who are having trouble sleeping by helping them to practice mindfulness to aid peace of mind free from anxiety and restlessness. My many years experience of working with children has given me the skills to help you explore your inner child, something which is in all of us!

My counselling practice is within easy reach of Cullompton, Tiverton, Honiton, Taunton and near to Exeter which is only 15 minutes drive away.click here